Part Repairing Using a Hybrid Manufacturing System

At present, part remanufacturing technology is gaining more interest from the military and industries due to the benefits of cost reduction as well as time and energy savings. This paper presents the research on one main component of part remanufacturing technology, which is part repairing. Traditionally, part repairing is done in the repair department using welding processes. However, the limitations of the traditional welding process are becoming more and more noticeable when accuracy and reliability are required. Part repairing strategies have been developed utilizing a hybrid manufacturing system in which the laser-aided deposition and CNC cutting processes are integrated. Part repairing software is developed in order to facilitate the users. The system and the software elevate the repairing process to the next level, in which accuracy, reliability, and efficiency can be achieved. The concept of the repairing process is presented in this paper, and verification and experimental results are also discussed.